190 THE LIOX KILLER. 



Another equally ingenious method has been adopted on the 

 other side. 



The advance post that is in the most exposed position 

 remains quiet until darkness hides the camp, and then the 

 fires are lit, and the men hide in ambuscade, either to the 

 right or to the left, and wait until the natives creep up to 

 surprise the post, when they pour in their fire on the Arab 

 horde. By this means the pleasant little surprise is made 

 mutual. 



I have said that the Kabyles, when they are on an eminence, 

 flee without waiting for the attack of our troops. It is the 

 same with the passage of a defile, the fording of a river, or 

 the attack on a village. It is enough if the attack is quick 

 and vigorous, and that the soldiers do not pause to fire, but 

 march right on to the goal either in a direct line or by con- 

 verging movements. The result is always certain, the Kabyles 

 abandon their position without waiting for the bayonet. 



As they always fight until the attacking columm is close 

 at hand, and as their aim is very true, it is only with great 

 losses to our troops, that we can drive them from a strong 

 position. 



The tactics of these mountaineers consist in shooting from 

 a cover upon men who are uncovered, and when hard pressed 

 to retreat beyond the reach of balls, until those who have 

 attacked them retreat in their turn. Then commences the 

 difficult manoeuvre of a retreat. When they hear the 

 trumpets sounding this movement they come from behind 

 rocks, and trees, and from the depths of ravines, where they 

 lay hidden like wild beasts, and climb to the point about 



